Buying your first home in North Las Vegas? Fernando Castro of Casanova Realty Group, brokered by eXp Realty, is a U.S. Navy veteran with about 20 years of service who rose to Chief Petty Officer and a VA Loan Specialist who has helped 100+ VA families buy homes. He walks first-time buyers through every step, from preapproval and down-payment options to the offer, inspection and closing, in North Las Vegas, Las Vegas and Henderson.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google: see our Google reviews · Call or text (702) 530-5370 · Mon–Sun 9 AM–7 PM
North Las Vegas is its own city, and buying there comes with a few checks that are easy to miss. I'm Fernando Castro, a REALTOR® with eXp Realty and a U.S. Navy veteran, and I help buyers across North Las Vegas, Las Vegas and Henderson. This guide covers the North Las Vegas side of the process. For every step in detail, read the first-time home buyer guide for Las Vegas, and for a feel of the city itself, see the North Las Vegas neighborhood guide.
Step 1: Pick the part of North Las Vegas that fits you
North Las Vegas runs from older neighborhoods near downtown Las Vegas, often with smaller lots and no HOA, to master-planned and newer subdivisions in the north near the 215 Beltway, most with an HOA. Start with how you live: your commute, how much yard you want and whether you're comfortable with HOA rules and dues. These posts help you compare:
- Living in North Las Vegas: commutes and convenience
- Living in North Las Vegas: space, value and growth
- North Las Vegas new construction and resale homes compared
Also confirm which jurisdiction a home is actually in: the City of North Las Vegas, the City of Las Vegas or unincorporated Clark County. That decides which city or county rules and services apply to the property, so check it on the parcel record rather than going by the neighborhood name.
Step 2: Set your budget and get ready for pre-approval
Decide on a monthly payment you're comfortable with before you shop, and count the costs beyond the mortgage: HOA dues, insurance, property taxes, inspections and closing costs. When you apply for a loan, each lender must give you a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving your application, on the same standard form, so you can compare offers side by side (CFPB). Compare more than one lender.
Step 3: Check Nevada's Home Is Possible help
The Nevada Housing Division's Home Is Possible program can provide up to 5% of the loan value toward your down payment or closing costs with a 30-year fixed-rate loan. It has no first-time homebuyer requirement. You'll need a minimum credit score of 640 (660 for manufactured homes), a homebuyer education course and standard underwriting approval, and the home must be your primary residence. Income and home price limits apply (Home Is Possible). Terms change, so confirm current details with a participating lender.
Buying with a VA loan? Read how VA loans work, step by step and the VA loan and military home buying guide. Nellis Air Force Base borders the city's east side, so if you're looking nearby, also read what the disclosure form doesn't say about living near Nellis.
Step 4: New construction or resale?
A lot of North Las Vegas's newer homes are in builder communities. If you buy new, remember the sales team in the model home works for the builder. Bring your own agent from your first visit, read the builder's contract and HOA documents closely, and still get an independent inspection. With a resale home, focus on the age and condition of the roof, the HVAC system and the water heater, which work hard in the desert heat.
Step 5: Read the HOA documents before you commit
Many North Las Vegas subdivisions have an HOA. Before your contingency deadlines pass, review the CC&Rs and rules for anything that affects how you'll live there: rental limits, parking, pets, exterior changes and the current dues. Ask what the HOA's resale package includes and when you'll receive it.
Step 6: Understand Nevada's property tax cap
Nevada limits how fast your property tax bill can rise. Under NRS 361.4723, the tax bill on an owner's primary residence is capped at a 3% yearly increase, and homes that aren't owner occupied get a cap of up to 8%. Only one property in Nevada can be your primary residence. New construction doesn't qualify for a cap in its first fiscal year but gets one starting the next year (Clark County Assessor).
After you buy, the Clark County Assessor mails a postcard to new owners who may qualify for the 3% cap. Sign it and send it back to claim it. Recording a new ownership document, such as adding someone to title, removes the abatement until a new postcard is returned (Clark County Assessor).
Step 7: Inspection, appraisal and closing
Schedule your home inspection as soon as you're under contract so there's time to ask for repairs or credits. Your lender orders the appraisal separately. Your lender must give you the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing; use that window to compare it with your Loan Estimate (CFPB). Always confirm wiring instructions by calling your title or escrow company at a number you already know, never one from an email.
First-time buyers who served: VA loans
Eligible veterans and service members can often buy with no down payment, as long as the sales price isn't higher than the appraised value, and VA-backed purchase loans don't require private mortgage insurance (VA). Read the VA loan and military home buying guide. PCSing to Nellis? See the Nellis AFB PCS guide. Stationed at Creech? See the Creech AFB home buying guide.
What first-time buyers say
“Amazing to work with. VA loan knowledge!! Made the VA load process super easy!!!! Thank you for helping buy our first home!!!!” — Sloan H., Google review
“He made the entire home-buying process so easy and stress-free from beginning to end. He was knowledgeable, patient, professional, and always willing to answer my questions and guide me through every step.” — Miesherrae N., Google review
“He helped me and my wife (first time homebuyers) through the entire process! I wouldn’t trust anyone else when I comes to buying a home.” — Joseph L., Google review
Frequently asked questions
Which realtor helps first-time home buyers in North Las Vegas?
Fernando Castro of Casanova Realty Group, brokered by eXp Realty, is a Navy veteran (about 20 years, Chief Petty Officer) and VA Loan Specialist who has helped 100+ VA families buy homes. He guides first-time buyers step by step in North Las Vegas, Las Vegas and Henderson. Call or text (702) 530-5370.
Can a first-time buyer use a VA loan?
Yes, if you are eligible for a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility and will live in the home. Most eligible buyers can purchase with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance, as long as the price is not above the appraised value.
What are the first steps to buying a home in North Las Vegas?
Set a monthly budget, get ready for pre-approval with a lender, ask about down payment programs or VA eligibility, then tour homes with your agent. Once your offer is accepted you will have an inspection and appraisal before closing.
Is North Las Vegas a separate city from Las Vegas?
Yes. North Las Vegas is its own incorporated city with its own mayor, council and police department. Some homes near it are in the City of Las Vegas or unincorporated Clark County, so check the parcel record for any home you're considering.
Can I get down payment help to buy in North Las Vegas?
Possibly. Nevada's Home Is Possible program can provide up to 5% of the loan value toward a down payment or closing costs, with no first-time homebuyer requirement. Credit, income, price, education and primary-residence rules apply, so check current terms with a participating lender.
How much can property taxes go up on a home I live in?
For an owner's primary residence in Nevada, the yearly increase on the tax bill is capped at 3%. Homes that are not owner occupied get a cap of up to 8%. Return the Clark County Assessor's postcard after you buy to claim the 3% cap.
Do I need my own agent to buy a new build in North Las Vegas?
It's smart to have one. The builder's sales team represents the builder. Your own agent can review the contract and HOA documents with you and help you compare the new home with resale options.
Do you help VA buyers in North Las Vegas?
Yes. Fernando is a Navy veteran and helps buyers use their VA home loan benefit in North Las Vegas, Las Vegas and Henderson.
Talk it through
Thinking about buying in North Las Vegas? Send Fernando a message or call or text (702) 530-5370. You'll get a straight plan for the areas, price range and loan options that fit you.
Fernando's military service is shared as personal background only. Neither the U.S. Navy nor the Department of Defense endorses Casanova Realty Group or any product or service.